Easy to make, Hasselback Potatoes Recipe offers the best of both worlds: they’re visually appealing and full of flavor. When cooked in an oven with skin that’s been turned ultra-crispy by being baked for long periods on high heat, each slice becomes crispy while still remaining tender inside.  You get the flavor in each bite, all thanks to the rich rosemary-infused oil!

Hasselback potatoes are among my all-time favorite potatoes dishes. It is delicious, easy to make, and just perfect for every occasion. On holiday dinners, this dish has a special place on my vegan dining table. The crispy top with tender starchy potatoes goodness and rosemary-infused with olive oil and garlic is heavenly!

Whenever you feel low, I bet this dish will lift your spirits. Enjoy it with a Vegan Zucchini Soup or Jerk Cauliflower Steak, and this dish goes very well with everything. It is easy to make, and you can store the leftovers easily as well.

Why are Hasselback potatoes called so?

Hasselback potatoes are called so because they are actually a Swedish dish that’s very popular in Scandinavia.

The Hasselback Potato was created by the Swedish Chef Fredrik Jansson using his potatoes, butternut squash, and other vegetables. They are so-called because of their resemblance to a musical instrument called the accordion. This dish was first served in 1953 when the chef created it at the Swedish restaurant in Stockholm for his main dish. The chefs here were given the freedom to create their dishes, and he came up with the idea of making a gourmet meal out of the humble potato. He used butternut squash and mushrooms to scoop out the middle of each slice. It soon gained popularity throughout the country. Today it is a favorite main course or side dish, especially on holidays.

This dish is traditionally served with cheese sauce or sour cream topped with chopped chives or parsley or both, along with sweet onion rings, bacon bits, and nutmeg sprinkled over the top for added flavor. However, we have simplified the flavors for our vegan version.

Which potatoes are best for Hasselback potatoes?

Potatoes come in several varieties. Where some are considered best for roasting or baking, others and good for mash or making stew. As for Hasselback potatoes are concerned, I prefer starchy potatoes. That’s because when cooked, the starch in them results in making the potatoes crispy as well as tender. So, my personal favorite for Hasselback potatoes is russet potatoes, Yukon Gold and Idaho. You can, however, choose red potatoes a swell.

Ingredient breakdown

The reason I love to make Hasselback potatoes frequently is because of their simplicity. You don’t need any extravagant ingredients. Everything is basic and available in every kitchen pantry. Here is what you will need for this recipe:

• Potatoes: When buying potatoes for Hasselback potatoes, make sure you always choose fresh produce. The potatoes should be firm to touch. They should have fresh and shiny skin without any bruises or black/brown spots. Also, avoid buying potatoes that have nodes coming out of them. Although I have used russet potatoes for this recipe, you can choose whatever variety is available. Yukon gold or red potatoes work nicely as well. Just keep in mind that the potatoes you are using for Hasselback must be equal in size. That’s important for even cooking.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for this recipe. That’s because olive oil is loaded with healthy fats. Always choose a premium quality food-grade olive oil for cooking. If you don’t want to use olive oil, I recommend you go for grapeseed oil.
• Garlic: Almost every delicious dish uses garlic as a compulsory ingredient. These tiny cloves offer immense flavor. The unique garlicky flavor offers a depth we all love.
• Rosemary: Rosemary is a shrub that offers a complex flavor. It is not just aromatic but offers a peppery, minty, slightly woody, and sage-like flavor. Some people like to compare its flavor to balsamic vinegar with a bit of bitterness. It is a great ingredient that adds punch to the dish. Although fresh rosemary works best for this recipe, you can use dried rosemary as well.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is widely known for its slightly bitter flavor, bright yellow color, and medicinal properties. It adds color to the potatoes.
• Salt: You can’t make anything without adding salt, can you?

How to make Hasselback potatoes?

Although the cooking time can be a bit longer, preparing Hasselback potatoes is very simple and easy. Here is how you can make these delicious potatoes:

Step 1: Firstly, you will have to wash and scrub the potatoes to get rid of dirt on them. Next, let them dry.

Step 2: Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes thinly in such a way that you don’t separate the slices. Instead, you should leave about ¼ inch of the whole potato at the bottom. You can place two chopsticks on either side of the potatoes so that they act as a barrier and prevent you from cutting all the way.

Step 3: Place the potatoes on a greased cast-iron skillet or a baking tray.

Step 4: Place a saucepan on medium heat. Add oil. Once the oil is hot, add chopped garlic, turmeric, rosemary, and salt. Cook for about 3 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit to infuse the flavors. The more you give it time, the more you will get flavors. I prefer making this oil before working on the potatoes.

Step 5: Using a brush, baste this prepared oil on the potato and in between the slices generously.

Step 6: Place the cast iron skillet or baking tray in a preheated oven at 425-degree F for about 60 minutes or until the edges of the potatoes turn golden brown. Serve.

Different ways of cooking Hasselback potatoes

Although cooking Hasselback potatoes in the oven is the easiest and most convenient way, but it takes a lot of time. So, if you are too impatient to wait, here are two quick ways of cooking Hasselback potatoes. These are:

• Air fryer: You can easily cook Hasselback potatoes in the air fryer. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350-degree F for about 20 minutes or until they get color. Note that the cooking time can vary with the size of the potatoes. Small potatoes tend to cook faster than large potatoes.

Variation ideas

Here are a few things you can add to the Hasselback potatoes to make them taste even better:

• Finely chopped chives are fresh and flavor to the Hasselback potatoes.
• You can add Italian herbs to bring in more flavor.
• Sprinkle paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Finish the potatoes off with Vegan Cheese Sauce. Its richness pairs really well with the Hasselback potatoes.

Other Amazing Vegan Potato Recipes

1. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
2. How To Make Mashed Potatoes Without Milk
3. Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
4. Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
5. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

How to store Hasselback potatoes?

Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will last for up to 3 days. Furthermore, you can also freeze them. Wrap them in aluminum foil individually and freeze. They will last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer and enjoy.